A Scalable Model Improves Postpartum Heart Screening in Women With Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

Researchers have developed an electronic medical record (EMR)–based model to enhance postpartum cardiovascular health (CVH) screening in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). The findings were presented at ACC.25.

In this retrospective cohort study, researchers compared rates of CVH screening, which included laboratory measurement of lipid, lipoprotein(a), and HbA1c levels, before and after initiation of an EMR-based referral to a postpartum cardiovascular clinic in a large health system. Subsequently, they analyzed a historical cohort of 179 patients and a focused cohort of 113 patients between July 2023 and March 2024.

The analysis showed that patients in the focused group were more likely to have lipid (odds ratio [OR], 6.9; 95% CI, 8.1-35.1), HbA1c (OR, 18.1; 95% CI, 9.1-35.9), and lipoprotein(a) (OR, 32.3; 95% CI, 13.9-74.7) screening ordered.

“A postpartum focused care pathway improves CVH screening. This scalable EMR-based model may identify earlier targets for CVH optimization. Future studies should assess long-term outcome to confirm its effectiveness,” the investigators concluded.

Rayani A, et al. Postpartum care pathway improves cardiovascular health screening in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Presented at: American College of Cardiology 2025; March 29-31, 2025; Chicago, IL.